Dubai: Strangers offer meals, shelter as fire-hit Barsha building remains sealed off
After a fire broke out on Tuesday night at the Al Zarooni building in Al Barsha, many of the residents have been left without homes and are relying on the generosity of friends and strangers.
The fire, which was reportedly caused by a gas leak in a restaurant on the ground floor, forced hundreds of tenants to evacuate. While some are still uncertain about when they can return, they are getting by with help from friends and kind strangers.
Robin, a 29-year-old Filipino sales executive who lives on the 12th floor, had to rush out of his apartment in the middle of the night with nothing but his phone.
'I didn't even have shoes on,' he said. 'Since then, we have been staying at the mall or in parking areas nearby. It's not perfect, but at least we are safe, and people have been kind, offering us food and help.'
'I don't have my wallet, nor do I have the cards saved on my phone. We were offered breakfast by a kind stranger and the lunch was offered by a restaurant where my cousin brother work,' said Robin.
Oswin, an Indian expat, was on his way to work when the fire started. 'I was just buying juice when I heard a loud explosion,' said he. 'I rushed out and saw the building on fire. It was chaotic. I didn't know what was happening to my apartment or my roommates.'
'Thankfully, they are all safe and have taken shelter at a friends place,' he added. "I currently don't have a place to stay, but I am sure God has arranged something for me. My employer has given him a few days off to sort this out.'
Karen, a Cameroonian expat who works at a beauty store, said she felt it was an earthquake when she heard the explosion. 'It was scary. I rushed out with everyone else, and now I am just staying outside, waiting to hear when we can go back,' she said.
'I am thankful my employer gave me time off, but it's hard not knowing what's next. Hopefully we are allowed to access our belongings soon so that we can at least freshen up at our friends place,' said Karen.
Raj, who lives on the 10th floor, wasn't home when the fire started. 'I saw the news and realised the building was on fire. I rushed back, but I couldn't get into my apartment. I had to buy new clothes and borrow a laptop for work,' he said.
'But I am just grateful that I am okay and that there are friends helping me with my work as well as clothes. I have meeting scheduled in Doha and Muscat in coming days and my only worry is getting hold of my passport from my drawer. Hopefully I will get it in two days before my departure,' he added.
While many are still waiting for updates from the building management, the residents remain hopeful. 'For now, I have to rely on friends,' said Oswin. 'We don't know when we can go back, but we will manage.'
As the investigation into the fire continues, residents are staying positive, knowing they will be able to return home soon. For now, they are relying on the help of strangers and friends, holding on to the hope that things will get better.
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